Vacation Highlights

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation)
Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Breisach
Excursion to Black Forest:Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or e-bike tour in the Black Forest or visit to a local winery

Day 3 Strasbourg
Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or culinary walk, or hike along the river

Day 4 Mainz
Excursion to Heidelberg:Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle with tasting of local specialties, see the Great Vat, or a hike up Philosophers’ Way, or beer tour; private reception at Rheinstein Castle

Day 5 Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; choice of Koblenz walking tour and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with cable car ride, or Volcano Tour experience, or e-biking tour in the vineyards; classic concert

Day 6 Düsseldorf
Choice of guided city sightseeing, or biking tour, or culinary tour

Day 7 Amsterdam
Choice of painting class, or kayak tour, or canal cruise

Day 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends this morning

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) (D)

Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST (B, L, D)

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

ACTIVE
Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
DISCOVERY
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
DISCOVERY
Visit a local winery and its vineyards to learn about German winemaking; a wine tasting will be the perfect end of this tour.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE (B, L, D)

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE
Take a Guided Hike along the river and the Marne-Rhine canal, OR:
DISCOVERY
Join a Culinary Walk to discover the Alsatian cuisine and traditions, so influenced by the unique history of a region, whose control alternated between Germany and France for centuries, OR:
CLASSIC
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

This afternoon choose one of the Optional Excursions available,

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ

Day 4 MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSIONS TO HEIDELBERG (B, L, D)

The World’s Biggest Wine Barrel and Famous Vineyards

ACTIVE
Follow the road less traveled on this exciting Guided Hike along the Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below, OR:
DISCOVERY
Join an exclusive Beer Tour. An expert Beer Sommelier will introduce you to the art of brewing, while strolling through the Heidelberg Castle garden OR:
CLASSIC
Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel. While visiting the city, also enjoy a tasting of local specialties.
DISCOVERY
Enjoy an experience fit for royalty during an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BINGEN

Day 5 RHINE GORGE–KOBLENZ (B, L, D)

Fortress Walls and Manor Halls Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet

En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE
Take a Guided E-Bike Tour in the vineyards surrounding this beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, OR:
DISCOVERY
For a unique experience, join us on an excursion to the “Lava City” of Mendig for a Volcano Encounter, including exploring the caverns and corridors where basalt (cold lava) was mined, OR:
CLASSIC
Enjoy a leisurely Guided Walk of ancient Koblenz, including a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a spectacular panoramic view.
DISCOVERY
Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜSSELDORF

Day 6 DÜSSELDORF (B, L, D)

Avant-Garde Architecture and Amazing Altbiers

ACTIVE
Join a City Biking Tour to discover interesting stories about the sights and the city itself along the way, OR:
DISCOVERY
Experience Düsseldorf’s Old Town and get an insight into its culinary diversity, OR:
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Tour of Düsseldorf. Visit the Old Town, but also discover its spectacular subway line, where each station has an individual magic character.

This afternoon you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to Düsseldorf’s microbreweries to try a variety of Altbiers.

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KOBLENZ

Day 7 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (B, L, D)

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

ACTIVE
Enjoy a Guided Kayak Tour for an adventure which will provide you a unique perspective of the “Venice of the North” from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
DISCOVERY
Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:
CLASSIC
Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon consider an Optional Culinary Walk in one of Amsterdam’s famous districts.

Spend free time strolling at leisure through the galleries and cafés of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) (B)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

 

Notes:

• In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
• Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Included for Every Avalon Guests

You’ve always forged your own path… with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind – offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you’ll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Panoramic windows
• Elegant, contemporary design & décor
• Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
• Covered Observation Lounge
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Dining

• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Avalon Fresh^® healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
• Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh^® options and daily a la carte specials
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh^® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu for a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• New in 2023 – included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Health and Fitness

• Bikes
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Canoe and kayak excursions
• Fitbits®
• Walking Sticks
• Binoculars
• Daypacks
• Yoga Mats
• Fitness bands

Suites & Staterooms

• Open–Air Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites^SM
• Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Premium L’Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
• Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
• Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
• Individual climate control and in-room safe
• Full-size closet and mirror
• Additional under-bed storage
• Well-stocked mini-bar

Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

CLASSIC Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

DISCOVERY We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

ACTIVE Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go – from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way  through scenic locales.